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BMO Financial Group Named Philanthropic Corporation of the Year

In a luncheon ceremony held today at the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre, BMO Financial Group was named 2007 Outstanding Corporation by the Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for its longstanding support of the Association and its commitment to creating a culture of philanthropy by education and by example. BMO was nominated by St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.

The Philanthropy Awards recognize individuals, corporations, foundations, and groups who contribute their time and financial support to make local, national and international communities stronger.

Dave Fleck, Executive Managing Director, Co-Head of Equity Products, BMO Capital Markets, and a member of BMO's Corporate Donations Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the bank. “One of our core values is that we care about our customers, shareholders, communities and each other,” stated Mr. Fleck. “Being responsible to our communities and society is who we are. I am immensely proud of our organization and our employees who practice these values every day and I am equally humbled that our leadership and commitment has been recognized today through this award.”

In naming BMO, the AFP noted that BMO Financial Group provides a model of corporate philanthropy, supports important health care initiatives and helps the fundraising industry flourish for the ultimate benefit of those who need help the most:

  • BMO Financial Group has taken a lead in inner city health research as a long-time partner with the Centre for Research on Inner City Health at St. Michael's Hospital.
  • BMO Financial Group sponsored the International Conference on Inner City Health
    • The conference provided a global platform for debate on important social, economic and health issues.
    • It brought together more than 300 internationally-renowned researchers from around the globe, community members and policymakers interested in improving the health of disadvantaged urban populations.
  • BMO Financial Group was the first financial institution with a $2-million donation to fund the BMO Vulnerable Populations Unit.
    • This centre within the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael's will conduct research to lead to health solutions to help those who need it most including people living on the streets, mothers at risk and new immigrants who are trying to build a new life.
    • The research done in Toronto will be used to benefit people in need in urban centres around the globe.
  • BMO also supports education, the arts and community development.
    • Organizations such as the United Way and Centraide, for example, continue to benefit from BMO's ongoing support.
    • BMO is a founder of the largest prize in theatre, the Lou and Elinore Siminovitch Prize.
    • In 2006, BMO received the Globe & Mail Business for the Arts award for Most Effective Corporate Program.
    • This year, BMO held the fifth annual BMO 1st Art! Student Competition, which recognizes graduating visual arts students from every province.
  • BMO Harris Private Banking is also a long-time sponsor of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
    • In the last 10 years, it has sponsored Fundraising Days, Philanthropy Awards Luncheons and annual sessions of Congress, encouraging the industry to grow.

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